Abstract: Relatively moveable portions of a flexible printed circuit member are interconnected by a web that extends between the moveable portions and is disposed in a cavity within a hinge interconnecting separately moveable parts of a split keypad assembly. The web portion of the flexible printed circuit is folded so that it is coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation of the moveable portions of the keypad assembly. The design and arrangement of the flexible printed circuit member avoids bending the flexible printed circuit member about an axis perpendicular to the member when the keypad assembly is opened or closed, and provides a vertically assemblable structure that completely encloses the interconnecting web portion of the printed circuit member, thereby avoiding the need for external connectors between the moveable elements of the keypad assembly.

Abstract: An adapter device, for use with a standard personal computer having affixed thereto a keyboard, is comprised of a molded rigid panel which is provided with a plurality of over-sized keys. The adapter is intended to simplify standard personal computer input methods by providing an input devise with a fewer number of Adapter keys than a standard keyboard. The adapter keys are also larger than standard keys. Raised spines on the under side of the adapter secure the adapter to a standard computer keyboard. Each of the keys on the adapter are attached via hinge along one side of the key. Depressing any of the adapter keys will cause that adapter key to contact the keys of host keyboard in a prescribed manner. An accompanying simplified software program is installed on the personal computer to work in conjunction with the adapter.

Abstract: An alphanumeric keyboard comprises a plurality of key operated switches and a cover frame which covers the switches and has bosses for receiving switch operating rams carried by key buttons having projections which receive the rams and which fit into the bosses. At least one compound key of the keyboard is associated with at least two switches and includes a compound key head which overlies at least two bosses. At least one of the rams of this compound key is so mounted on the compound key head that it can be adjusted relative to the compound key head parallel to the keying direction.

Abstract: A front panel unit for allowing user communication with electronic equipment includes an injection molded plastic front panel which has integrally formed keys which include are each connected by a spring strip to the body of the front panel. These keypads are depressed by a user and engage microswitches on a PC board which is mounted to the back of the plastic front panel. Openings are provided in the front panel to allow the user to observe visual indicators also mounted on the PC board, such as display lights and alpha numeric display devices. The mounting of the PC board to the front panel is readily accomplished utilizing platforms and retainers which are integrally molded into the front panel to which the PC board is engaged with a snapfit.

Abstract: An overlay is described for a keyboard wherein the keyboard includes a plurality of convex, depressible keys that extend above openings in a panel surface, each key having an associated function indication. The overlay comprising a molded plastic, planar member sized to cover substantially the extent of the keyboard, and having both keyboard and user sides. The keyboard side exhibits a plurality of waffle-like convex chambers created by orthogonal intersecting walls, each convex chamber surrounding a corresponding key and having a resilient ceiling member positioned over the key. When the resilient ceiling member is depressed by a user, the underlying key is likewise depressed and actuated. The user side of selected ones of resilient ceiling members, indicate modified key functions.

Abstract: A protective cover or boot for a keyboard array is provided which prevents entry of contaminants, such as water, dust and the like into the interior of the keyboard assembly. A membrane of a resilient material, such as a silicone rubber, is used to form a one-piece cover which extends over the keyboard array as well as the obverse face of the keyboard assembly and, in cooperation with a plate, acts as a seal to totally encapsulate the keyboard assembly. The elastomeric cover is formed as a low-cost material of generally uniform thickness and is molded to a shape so as to cover the top portion of the individual keys as well as extend partially down the side walls thereof so as to be spaced from the deck of the keyboard assembly by a distance which is equal to or greater than the length of travel of the key when actuated.

Abstract: A plurality of keytops are held by means of a single leaf spring to prevent erroneous insertion of the keytops into opening portions formed in a frame and to prevent the keytops from being removed from the opening portions. For prevention of unstable movement of the keytops, the leaf spring holding a plurality of keytops is contacts projections formed on the frame to be deformed thereby applying the initial pressure. Further, in order to reduce the number of assembly processes in attaching the leaf spring holding a plurality of keytops to the frame and the number of parts which are attached, each end of the spring portions connected to the plurality of keytops is coupled at a single portion and fixed to the frame.

Abstract: A key arm mechanism for keys of a typewriter or data entry device in which a uniform spring rate is achieved by varying the cross-sectional area of the key arms as a direct relation to the distance of the key support posts from a cantilever point. The entire key arm mechanism is formed of a unitary molded material. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of each key arm is uniform from the cantilever point to its associated key support post. In another embodiment, the cross-sectional area of each key arm decreases linearly from the cantilever point to its associated key support post. Uniform initial preload tension can be applied to the key arms by a slotted member which engages the ends of the key arms remote from the cantilever points. Non-uniform preload tension can be achieved by varying the height of some slots of the slotted member or by varying the height of the key arms at the ends thereof remote from the cantilever points.

Abstract: In an office machine keyboard comprising a plurality of keys formed by an array of areas of layer of elastic material, each key is provided with an identifying character in relief on an insert. The insert is embedded in the elastic layer so that the character is visible on the fingering surface of the layer, is surrounded by the material of the elastic layer and contrasts in color with the material. The insert is provided with internal passages. The elastic material engaging the internal passages forms struts interlocking the inserts in the elastic layer.The keyboard is formed by injection of a hot elastomer in a moulding die in which are positioned the inserts.